What I've learned from my dogs

Truth be told, I've learned more from my two little spunky, good-natured, optimistic pups than I have from most teachers whose classes I've taken. They are constantly a marvel to me and I could go on and on about them, but since this blog is about food and fitness, I'd like to describe the ways in which they've taught me about those things specifically.

Food first---

Puppy motto: Eat until full. Stop. Leave food unless cat goes near it, then protect food with life. Drink lots of water. Allow self cookies when offered. Get super excited for protein rich foods like chicken, turkey, beef and cheese (even more excited than cookies!).

I LOVE PROTEIN!

I've learned a lot from this, seriously. I have a problem with "stopping when full" from my binging days. I rarely allow myself cookies. I drink too much diet coke and not enough water. And I've only recently (past 6-7 months) been really entranced by the marvels of protein. When it comes to eating, I think my pups really have it right.

How come she got to eat it first?

Fitness next---

"Fitness" doesn't exist to my dogs. "FUN!" however, does.

Puppy motto: YESSS I get to run outside now! My favourite thing! OMG a squirrel! I loooovvvvve running. Must jump. Must wrestle. Must sprint furiously for no reason because it's sooooo fun!

Running is the best!

I'm pretty sure this is exactly what goes through their heads. And this is something I've also learned from them. They are both in amazing shape. They are super fast, super athletic, and not very quick to tire. They do it because they love it. They love running. They love jumping. They love trying to balance on their two back paws as long as they can. For me this has translated into finding what I love in fitness (running and lifting) and really enjoying it. Making sure the gym is not a chore is really important for motivation. It's an amazing release of energy, and its fun for me like chasing a squirrel or playing fetch is for them. Sure, some may look at it as work--but if it's the right kind, it doesn't feel like work at all.

I WILL conquer that squirrel!

 

 

 

I'm about to sprint. Lucky camera shot!

 But here's the other fitness rule for puppies...

Puppy motto: When I'm tired, I take a nap.

Who doesn't love sleeping in the back of the car on long car trips?

This is another thing I can really learn from them. Run when you have energy, every day, for fun. Then, when you're tired...let your body rest so you can get up and have fun again tomorrow!

What have you learned about food & fitness from your canine friends? Or your feline friends? Or your human friends?